Leadership begins with purpose, and for Bryanna Carter (Otonabee College) from Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan that purpose is clear: building stronger, more sustainable futures for Indigenous communities. Her academic journey at Trent University has been guided by the belief that to build the future she imagines, it will require leaders who can navigate complex systems, advocate for sustainable decision-making, and bring lived experience to the table. 

Now a fourth-year student, Bryanna is on her way to completing a double major in Business Administration and Forensic Science, with a specialization in Law and Policing, and she’s taking advantage of international extracurricular opportunities to realize her future vision. 

This year, Bryanna participated in the prestigious Harvard Business School certificate program, Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities, a competitive and exclusive professional development opportunity for Indigenous leaders. 

“I applied for the opportunity to gain knowledge and start thinking about our future as Indigenous people,” said Bryanna. “Eventually, the decision-making process will be left to incoming generations, and we must be well-equipped.” 

Sponsored by Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) Canada, Bryanna was one of only four students among 85 participants, primarily high-ranking professionals and community leaders from Indigenous organizations across North America. 

In addition to teaching practical tools in negotiation, change management, and entrepreneurial finance, the program also reinforced the value of dialogue and mentorship, and equipped Bryanna with a key leadership ingredient: confidence. 

“As an undergraduate student, being in a room full of successful Indigenous leaders and listening to their strategies and experiences really got me thinking about how to use their advice in the future,” said Bryanna. “The experience of having open discussions with this group has inspired me to go further and gave me confidence to share my opinions on matters concerning our Nations.” 

Building on her experience in fundraising and community programming, such as co-chair of Trent’s annual East vs. West hockey fundraiser and summer student coordinator in her home community, Bryanna is now expanding her leadership skills through CIBC Mellon’s mentorship program, which includes special participation in its 2025 Student Investment Fund Conference this October. 

Committed to deepening her impact, Bryanna has set her sights on graduate studies in public administration and a future career in law. As she continues to gain knowledge and develop her voice, she’s gaining the insight and resolve needed to build strong communities – and inspiring those who will follow in her footsteps. 

Learn more about Business Administration and Forensic Science programs at Trent University.